We’re right back at the start again, aren’t we? The start of a new year is always exciting. We’ve got the chance to rethink our approach, start with fresh eyes, a new balance sheet and an open road ahead to Greenification. It’s all waiting for us. So where to start?

Here’s a basic checklist of things you’ll want to consider in plotting your green business year ahead:

Sustainable energy sources. Does your business consume a lot of energy? Some use more than others, and some energy sources are certainly more renewable than others. Look for those that produce the optimum results with the minimum carbon footprint left behind. Sometimes that isn’t immediately apparent, so check carefully.

Building design. Energy-efficient design for new construction and/or remodeling will utilize efficient equipment while optimizing the use of natural energy sources. The ultimate goal is to provide increased comfort with reductions in energy costs and greenhouse gas pollution.

Using paper. You may not think of your business' paper use as an area to save energy, but it is. Paper manufacturers in the U.S. consume a significant amount of energy each year in the production of paper - not to mention the energy spent harvesting and shipping trees, and shipping paper products to your business. Will this be the year your business goes paperless?

Manufacturing processes andpackaging. Using environmentally preferable products and services is an encouraged practice for business in the retail industry. You can find information on greening suppliers, product packaging, selling and buying green products and transporting your products.

Recycling and waste management. This is the most obvious of these topics. How much are you recycling each week? Does your recyclables exceed your waste product? I hope so. But we’ll talk more about that in coming weeks.

Business trends. Millions of small businesses across the United States are also trying to learn these same principles. Some are your competitors; others are not. But if we are all trying to achieve benefits for all, shouldn’t we work together a little more? Surely the results won’t be the same for every company, but the benefits will be enjoyed by all.

What may be even more important, every little bit helps. The effects are cumulative. We’ll be talking about all these topics this year and information is of course, always available here at the Green Business Alliance website. We hope you have a great, successful 2010 and surpass both your business goals and goals to Greenify in the next 12 months!

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